When to plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Bourbon County County,
In Bourbon County County, plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in spring between April 15 and May 6, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Bourbon County County's last frost averages April 8, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 100 days before the first frost on October 25.
When to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Bourbon County, KS
Your June gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Bourbon County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Harvest gaillardia (blanket flower) as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: gaillardia (blanket flower)
Gaillardia (Gaillardia aristata), the native blanket flower of the American West, is one of the most floriferous and longest-blooming perennials available — producing cheerful, daisy-like flowers in fiery red, orange, and yellow combinations from early summer through hard frost in most climates. Named for the way its spreading colonies mimic the patterned blankets of Indigenous American weavers, gaillardia thrives in the exact conditions that challenge other perennials: poor, dry, gravelly soil in full sun. An outstanding pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and finches that feed on its seed heads. Somewhat short-lived (3–5 years) but self-seeds freely to sustain garden colonies.
Bourbon County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 438 feet, Bourbon County receives approximately 26 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) during the growing season.
Bourbon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Bourbon County
How your county's soil matches Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bourbon County is excellent for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Gaillardia (Blanket Flower).
How to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Succession Planting Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bourbon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Timeline — Bourbon County, KS
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Bloom | June 24 | Jun 24 – Nov 11 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Bourbon County
Growing Tips for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Bourbon County
Direct sow Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) outdoors after April 08 in Bourbon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct-sow after last frost. Seeds need light to germinate — press onto soil surface without covering, or cover very lightly (1/8 inch). Transplant after last frost when soil has warmed. Lean, well-drained soil is essential — rich or wet soil causes sprawl and root rot. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the season, but leave some heads for self-seeding to renew the planting. Divide every 2–3 years in spring to maintain vigor. Drought-tolerant once established; overwatering is more damaging than underwatering. Year 2+ plants deliver the fullest multi-season bloom.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Bourbon County, KS?
Bourbon County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bourbon County, KS?
Bourbon County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Bourbon County County, ?
In Bourbon County County, , plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bourbon County County, for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)?
Bourbon County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grow in Bourbon County County's climate?
Yes — Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows well in Bourbon County County's temperate climate. Bourbon County County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 25.
Your Bourbon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bourbon County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.